Bill Pickering with Ray Scott and his father Bob Pickering. Cap Blanc Nez.

Bill Pickering, 1955. B/W Photograph. Bill Pickering after his 1955 swim from St Margaretts Bay to Cap Blanc Nez in a new record time of 14 hrs 6mins.

On his right Ray Scott, later to be Chairman of the Channel Swimming Association. On the left his father, Bob Pickering.

William Pickering 1955. A 34 year old Bloxwich baths manager weighing 15 1/2 stone. He made just one attempt on 27/8/1955 and took Florence Chadwicks fastest time record.

He swam St. Margarets Bay to Cap Blanc Nez in a time of 14 hours 06 minutes, piloted by Jack Burwill. His trainer was Lewis Latham.

From the Sam Rockett Collection.